We chased each other
in the summer sun,
our striped-towel capes
stolen from the linen closet
gave us super powers...
While yours provided invisibility -
mine allowed me to fly
up into the highest tree branches
to spy on the boys
hoovering around the bird bath...
whispering to each other
about how girls cant be superheros
because they would cry too much
and get hurt too easily
during important battles
with mutant aliens and giant ants...
And when you pulled your cape away
revealing your prescence too soon -
he pushed you down into the dirt
and ripped your dress...
Deafened by the roar of their laughter,
they didn't hear my battle cry,
as I lept from the highest branches -
fists balled and teeth clenched,
jumping through the air,
over Grandma's rose bushes -
ready to land with fists flying...
Only - I had overestimated
the power of the green striped terry cloth
tied around my neck -
and the boy's ability to cast spells
commanding all garden life
encompasing the bird bath
to protect them at all costs -
...even death.
But they had underestimated
the power of little girls -
when their sister's tears
required immediate warfare
for the sake of honor and love.
They stood wide eyed -
watching the blood
running down a torn knee
as I stood fuming with rage
oblivious to the wound
Id sustained during my flight...
trampling the fallen one
into the mud under my sandal.
And after their retreat -
your tiny hug nearly choked me,
proving to both of us
just how strong girls can be...
Then we wrapped ourselves
in your cape to hide us again -
as we pulled the petals
off the fallen rose lying at our feet -
just as broken as we were...
I have a scar on my right knee.
Two inches of jagged white,
that my razor knicks
every time I shave my legs...
and as I bleed tiny drops
onto new terrycloth towels
I am reminded -
just how strong we've had to be...
and wish -
that we could be invisible together
just once -
while our wounded hearts heal.
Bronze trophy winner
Adding your comment:
You are such an artist!
